After dinner, Rowen's wife, Emi, said warmly, "Elara, come join me for a sauna later."
"Sure," Elara agreed.
Once they settled inside, Emi gave her a knowing smile. "Rowen told me Adrian has been more cheerful since you came. That is all thanks to you."
Elara shook her head. "I am just doing my job." She hesitated, then added, "He told me you all came here before."
"Yes," Emi said with a small laugh. "He and his girlfriend were with us back then." Her tone softened. "He had a hard time after the accident. Especially after she left."
Elara's fingers tightened around the edge of her towel. "He is stronger than people think," she said quietly.
Emi nodded. "He is. Still, she calls me sometimes to ask how he is doing. Maybe she regrets leaving."
Elara frowned slightly. "Then why does she not come back to him? If she is sincere, he would forgive her."
"She should not have left when he needed her most," Emi said with a sigh.
"Maybe she had her reasons," Elara murmured. Her voice was soft but distant, as if she were speaking more to herself than to Emi.
Emi watched her closely. "You are too kindhearted, Elara," she said gently, smiling. "You try to understand everyone else. But do you ever think about what you need?"
Elara blinked, caught off guard. "I… have not really thought about it."
"Maybe you should," Emi said with a hint of warmth. "Because I think Adrian is not the only one who needs care."
Elara looked down, unsure how to respond.
Emi studied her quietly for a while before speaking again. "You care about him, don't you?"
Elara froze. "Of course I do. I'm his caregiver. It's my responsibility."
"That's not what I meant." Emi's smile was kind but knowing. "I can tell when someone talks about Adrian with genuine concern. But when you say his name, it sounds different."
Elara's heart skipped. "You're imagining things," she said lightly, though her voice wavered.
Emi tilted her head. "Maybe. But I have known Adrian for a long time. After his accident, no one could reach him. Not even Rowen. He only did what was necessary and avoided everyone else. But with you, he listens. He smiles. That means something."
Elara hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of the bench. "He's kind. I just want him to have a chance to be happy again."
Emi's gaze softened. "And what about you, Elara? When was the last time you allowed yourself to be happy?"
Elara let out a small, uncertain laugh. "I haven't thought about that in years. Work and taking care of my mum keeps me busy."
"Busy isn't the same as fulfilled," Emi said. "You deserve more than that. You have such a gentle heart, but sometimes gentle hearts forget to protect themselves."
Elara looked down, her chest tightening. "It doesn't matter. Whatever I feel, it won't change anything. He deserves someone better, someone who can give him more."
Emi smiled faintly. "Someone who sees him for who he is, not for what he lost, is already giving him more than anyone else ever did."
Elara didn't answer. The words struck too close to something she didn't want to name. She sat there in silence, the warmth between them quiet and heavy.
After a long pause, Emi reached over and touched her hand lightly. "Whatever happens, just don't run from it," she said gently. "You may regret it if you do."
Elara met her gaze, uncertain but moved. "Thank you," she said softly.
Later that night, after changing back into their robes, Elara and Emi headed toward their rooms together, chatting softly.
Before they could reach the hallway corner, two drunken men stumbled toward them, laughing loudly.
"Hey, ladies! Come hang out with us!" one of them called out, his words slurred.
Elara froze as the man reached out and grabbed her hand. His grip was rough, his breath thick with alcohol.
"Hey! Let her go!" Emi shouted, pulling at his arm.
The second man caught Emi by the waist, grinning. "Come on, just one drink," he said, tightening his hold.
"Let go of me!" Emi struggled against him.
"Stop it! Leave us alone!" Elara yelled, trying to pull her hand free, panic rising in her chest. The more she struggled, the tighter the man's grip became.
Her heart pounded. "Help! Somebody!" she cried, her voice breaking.
Footsteps echoed from down the corridor.
"Hey! What's going on?" Rowen's voice cut through the noise. He hurried toward them, with Adrian close behind, his steps unsteady and searching.
"Rowen!" Emi cried out in relief.
Rowen grabbed the man holding her and shoved him back. "Let go of them!"
The other drunk stumbled away, startled, but Elara was still struggling to free herself. Adrian, hearing her cries, turned sharply toward the sound.
"Elara!" he called, panic threading his voice. His hand reached out into empty air, searching for her. "Where are you?"
"I'm here!" she gasped, finally breaking free.
He moved toward her voice, but she could see the fear tightening his features. For the first time, his composure was gone.
"Adrian, stay still!" she said quickly, running straight to him.
She collided into his chest, her hands gripping his robe tightly as if afraid to let go. His arms came up instinctively, wrapping around her, steady and protective.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice rough, breath uneven.
She shook her head against him, her heart still racing. "No. I'm fine now."
Rowen was already calling for the staff, his tone sharp and angry. The two men stumbled away, muttering apologies as security rushed over.
Elara barely noticed. Her entire focus was on the man holding her. She could feel his heart pounding against her ear, fast and frantic, nothing like the calm she was used to.
"Adrian, it's okay," she whispered, still catching her breath. "It's over."
He exhaled slowly, one hand tightening around her shoulder. "I heard you scream," he said quietly. "I thought I'd lost you."
Elara's chest ached. "You didn't," she said softly. "I'm right here."
Neither of them moved for a long time. It was only when Rowen returned that Elara realized she was still in his arms. She pulled back reluctantly, but Adrian's hand lingered on her wrist, as if to make sure she was really there.
Back in their room, Elara laid out the bedding carefully.
"Your blanket's ready, Adrian. Get some rest," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I'm not sleepy yet," he said quietly.
She looked up. "What do you want to do then?"
"I want to go back to the hot spring. The night air feels different," Adrian said.
Elara hesitated, then nodded. "All right."
They changed and returned to the warm water. The silence between them felt gentle, but heavy with unspoken thoughts.
"Did that guy hurt you?" Adrian asked finally, his tone low.
"No. He just grabbed my hand," she said.
Adrian's jaw tightened. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you. You still tried to keep me safe first. Makes me feel useless."
"Don't say that. It's not your fault," she said softly, moving closer.
"I hate feeling helpless," he said, his fists tightening beneath the water.
Elara reached out, brushing her fingers over his back in quiet comfort. "I'm fine now. It's over."
He turned toward her, finding her by the sound of her breath. Then he leaned forward and pressed a light kiss against her temple.
"I'm sorry, Elara," he whispered.
Her pulse raced. The warmth of his lips lingered on her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. She hesitated only a second before leaning into him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.
"It's not your fault," she murmured. "I know you'd do anything to protect me. I'm lucky to have met you. I thought I'd never meet someone who'd make me feel safe again."
Adrian's arms came around her waist, drawing her close. For a long moment, neither of them moved, the sound of their breaths the only thing between them.
"It's getting too hot," Elara said after a while, her voice a little shaky. "If I stay, I might faint."
Adrian let out a soft laugh. "Yeah. Me too."
After changing back into their robes, they prepared to sleep.
Adrian lay down, adjusting his pillow. The quiet in the room felt different, too open, too far. He tilted his head slightly, listening. The faint rustle of fabric told him Elara was not near. Her movements came from farther off, toward the corner of the room.
"Elara," he said, his tone calm but curious. "Why did you move your mat so far away?"
"We shouldn't sleep too close," she said.
"Why? You think I'd try something?"
"No. I trust you," she replied softly.
"Then move it back next to mine," Adrian said.
"I might snore," she said quickly. "I don't want to disturb you."
He gave a quiet laugh. "I don't mind. I probably snore too."
Elara sighed but obeyed, dragging her mat across the floor. The soft sound of the fabric brushing against the wood made him smile.
"Better," he said quietly.
"Goodnight, boss," she murmured, closing her eyes.
"Goodnight, Elara," he whispered.
Soon her breathing slowed into an easy rhythm. Adrian turned his head slightly toward the sound, a faint smile still lingering on his lips. Though he could not see her, he felt her nearness and for the first time in years, the darkness around him felt.
*****
Elara woke early and froze.
An arm was draped around her waist, firm but gentle. Her breath caught as heat rose to her face. She had never been this close to a man in her sleep.
Carefully, she turned her head and found Adrian's face only inches away. His expression was calm and peaceful, the faint rise and fall of his chest steady against hers.
For a moment, she simply watched him, her heart unsteady. Then, without thinking, her hand lifted. Her fingers brushed along his brow, tracing the quiet strength there, then followed the line of his cheek and jaw. His skin was warm beneath her touch.
What a beautiful man, she thought, her heart tightening.
Memories stirred, the hot spring, the way he had turned toward her voice, his lips brushing her temple, his arms holding her when she trembled.
A slow warmth filled her chest, soft and certain. She had promised herself to stay detached, to keep her distance. But lying there, feeling his quiet breath against her skin, she realized the truth she had been avoiding.
She was already too close.
Adrian stirred beside her. His hand shifted slightly against her waist before he froze, sensing her movement.
"Elara?" he said, his voice rough with sleep.
Her heart jumped. "You're awake," she whispered.
"I can hear you breathing," he said softly. "You've been awake for a while."
"I didn't mean to wake you," she said, flustered. She tried to move, but his arm was still around her.
He hesitated, then slowly pulled his arm back. "Sorry. I must have moved in my sleep."
"It's all right," she said quickly, her voice low. "You didn't do anything wrong."
A quiet pause followed. Adrian tilted his head slightly, sensing her hesitation. "You're nervous," he said gently.
"I'm not," she replied too quickly, then sighed. "Maybe a little."
He smiled faintly. "You don't have to be."
Elara's fingers tightened around the edge of her blanket. "I'll get up first. I need to wash before breakfast," she said softly.
"All right," he replied, his tone calm.
She stood, careful not to let the bedding rustle too loudly, and slipped away toward the bathroom. Adrian listened to the sound of her footsteps fading. When the door closed, he exhaled slowly and turned his face toward where she had been lying moments ago.
Even without sight, he could still feel her warmth lingering beside him.
*****
By the time Elara and Adrian arrived at the dining hall, Rowen and Emi were already seated.
"Good morning!" Rowen greeted cheerfully, waving them over. "Sleep well?"
Elara smiled politely as she guided Adrian to his seat. "We did. Thank you."
Rowen grinned. "No more late-night drama, I hope?"
Elara gave a small laugh. "None, thankfully."
Emi looked up with concern. "Elara, are you sure you're all right? You were so shaken last night."
"I'm fine now," Elara said. "Just startled, that's all."
"Those men got what they deserved," Rowen said firmly. "The resort manager already banned them from the premises."
Adrian turned slightly toward the sound of his friend's voice. "Good. I don't want Elara feeling unsafe here."
Elara glanced at him, her chest warming at the quiet protectiveness in his tone. "I'm really fine, boss," she said lightly. "See? Still in one piece."
Rowen laughed. "You should've seen Adrian's face last night. I've never seen him so worried in years."
Adrian smirked faintly. "You can stop exaggerating."
"I'm not. For a moment, I thought you were about to throw a punch," Rowen teased.
"I would have if I knew where to aim," Adrian replied, deadpan.
Everyone burst into laughter, and even Elara couldn't stop herself from smiling. The tension from the night before began to ease.
Emi leaned toward Elara. "You must have been brave to handle that. I don't think I'd have known what to do."
"I just shouted," Elara said with a small laugh. "That's about all I managed."
"That shout could probably wake the whole resort," Rowen teased.
"Maybe it did," Elara said, pretending to glare at him.
Adrian tilted his head slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. "It was loud enough for me to find her," he said softly.
Elara's smile faltered for a second. The warmth in his tone made her heart flutter before she quickly looked down at her plate.
Rowen cleared his throat, grinning. "Well, I'm just glad everything ended fine. Let's make today relaxing, no surprises."
"Agreed," Emi said. "Maybe a walk around the garden after breakfast?"
"That sounds nice," Elara said, her voice calm again.
Adrian nodded. "I'll go if Elara guides me."
Rowen smirked. "Of course you will."
Elara's cheeks warmed, but she couldn't hide her smile. "All right, boss. But only if you promise to behave."
Adrian chuckled. "No promises."
*****
After breakfast, they joined Rowen and Emi for a short walk around the garden. The morning air was cool, and conversation drifted easily between laughter and teasing.
When Rowen and Emi stopped ahead to take a few photos, Elara slowed her steps beside Adrian, guiding him carefully along the path.
Adrian leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Elara, can I tell you something?"
She glanced up at him, curious. "What is it?"
"You do snore," he said quietly, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Elara froze mid-step, eyes widening. "What?"
"I thought I imagined it at first," Adrian continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But it was there. Soft. Consistent. Almost like white noise."
Elara's face turned pink. "You're joking."
"I'm not," he said, laughing softly. "It was quiet and… cute."
"Cute?" she repeated, covering her face with her hand. "Oh no. That's so embarrassing."
Adrian tilted his head slightly toward her voice, his smile gentle. "Don't be. It actually helped me sleep. It was comforting."
Elara lowered her hand, still blushing, but a shy smile crept across her face. "I can't believe you're saying that."
"Believe it," he said softly. "It was the best sleep I've had in a long time."
Her heart skipped, the playful tone in his voice fading into something warmer. For a moment, she forgot about Rowen and Emi ahead of them. It was just the two of them, walking slowly side by side, their hands brushing lightly as they moved.
They walked for a while in comfortable silence, their pace unhurried. Every so often, Adrian's arm brushed against Elara's, and each time, her heart fluttered a little faster.
A few steps ahead, Rowen turned around and caught sight of them. A slow grin spread across his face. "Well, would you look at that," he said loudly. "Our two lovebirds are falling behind."
Elara immediately stepped back, flustered. "We're not—"
Emi laughed softly. "Rowen, stop teasing. You're embarrassing them."
Rowen only shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. "What? I'm just stating the obvious. Look at them. You'd think they're on a honeymoon."
"Rowen!" Elara's voice came out higher than she intended, her cheeks burning.
Adrian smiled faintly, turning his head toward Rowen's voice. "You're enjoying this a little too much."
"Can you blame me?" Rowen said with a laugh. "You're actually smiling, and she's blushing. It's adorable."
Elara sighed, giving up. "You two are terrible."
Emi chuckled. "Ignore him, Elara. He loves to tease when he's happy. I think he's just glad to see Adrian relaxed for once."
Rowen nodded. "True. You've been smiling more these days, my friend."
Adrian's expression softened. "Maybe I just have good company."
Elara looked at him, caught off guard by the warmth in his tone. She tried to laugh it off, but her chest felt strangely full.
"Come on," Emi said gently. "Let's go back before the sun gets stronger."
As they turned to head back, Rowen leaned closer to Emi and whispered, not quietly enough, "You see? I told you they're perfect for each other."
Elara heard him and nearly stumbled, while Adrian chuckled quietly beside her.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" she muttered under her breath.
"Maybe a little," he said, smiling.
Her heart skipped again, though she pretended not to notice.